Packaging box

ABSTRACT

A packaging box is provided with an exterior unit, and a packaging component set in the exterior unit. The packaging component includes an article mounting plane unit on which to mount an article, a pair of suspending units that are made by bending upward the article mounting plane unit at right and left ends of the article mounting plane unit so as to suspend the article mounting plane unit, and a pair of side plane units that are made by bending downward the pair of suspending units at upper ends of the pair of the suspending units, in which the pair of side plane units are kept in surface contact with two opposing walls of the exterior unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-018941 filed on Jan. 31, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to a packaging box used for packaging articles.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a packaging component set in a packaging box to hold an article using a film or the like has been known.

A packaging component including an article mounting plane unit to mount an article on, leg units made by bending, downward at a right angle, the article mounting plane unit at both ends, and a bottom portion made by bending leg portions inward and at a right angle so that the bent portions are parallel to the article mounting plane unit is known.

Also, a packaging component including an article mounting plane unit to mount an article on, a pair of suspending units made by bending the article mounting plane unit upward at both ends, and leg units made by bending this pair of suspending units downward, where the pair of legs are open outward and downward is known.

Also, a packaging box in which a prepackaged-item box to store accessories is set as a shock-absorbing material, and an article mounting plane unit is set on the box is known.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.     2000-318764 -   Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.     2003-26246 -   Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 4429182

SUMMARY

The packaging box disclosed in the present specification is provided with an exterior unit, and packaging components set in the exterior unit. The above packaging components include an article mounting plane unit on which to mount an article, a pair of suspending units made by bending the article mounting plane unit upward at both ends in order to suspend the article mounting plane unit, and a pair of side plane units made by bending the pair of suspending units downward. The above pair of side plane units are kept in surface contact with two opposing walls of the above exterior unit.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a packaging box according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II-II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a development view illustrating a packaging component according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a plan perspective view illustrating the packaging box (with a top plane unit of an exterior unit in an open state) according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4B is an A-direction arrow view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a plan perspective view illustrating the packaging box (with the packaging component having been removed and the top plane unit of the exterior unit being in an open state) according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a plan perspective view illustrating the packaging box (including a small storage box, and having the top plane unit of the exterior unit in an open state);

FIG. 7A explains how to take out an article from the packaging box according to the first embodiment (first);

FIG. 7B explains how to take out an article from the packaging box according to the first embodiment (second);

FIG. 7C explains how to take out an article from the packaging box according to the first embodiment (third);

FIG. 7D explains how to take out an article from the packaging box according to the first embodiment (fourth);

FIG. 7E explains how to take out an article from the packaging box according to the first embodiment (fifth);

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a packaging box according to a variation example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a packaging box according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating a pair of side plane units according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a development view illustrating a packaging component according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a development view illustrating a configuration of the portion denoted by “B” in FIG. 11A in a variation example according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a plan perspective view illustrating a packaging component according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a development view illustrating the packaging component according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a plan perspective view illustrating a packaging box (with the top plane unit of the exterior unit in an open state) according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a packaging box according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of part D of FIG. 15 seen from above;

FIG. 17A is a schematic side view illustrating the right side of an internal configuration of a packaging box according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 17B illustrates a packaging box according to a second variation example of the first embodiment (in a case in which downward-bent units are extended to the bottom unit); and

FIG. 18 is a development view illustrating a packaging component according to a fifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The above packaging components that are made by bending an article mounting plane unit at a right angle to form the leg units and bottom unit are configured to transmit impact forces from the bottom to the top linearly (forces are not dispersed) when a packaging box drops.

Also, the weight of an article is always applied to the article mounting plane unit, and thus the article mounting plane unit is easily crushed when the article is transported for a long period of time. Accordingly, when an article is heavy, a remarkable amount of bending occurs in the article mounting plane unit. This leads to a situation where the impact force caused by the dropping of a packaging box makes the article itself abut the bottom unit of an exterior unit together with the article mounting plane unit.

Further, if a packaging component is to be bent in a complicated manner, a greater number of steps are required, and bending mistakes easily occur. Also, a packaging component gets out of shape easily, making it difficult to set an article in the packaging box in a process of storing a packaging component in the packaging box.

Also, the above packaging component including leg units that are made by bending a pair of suspending units in such a manner that they are open outward and downward includes the upper ends of the leg units that are free ends, and accordingly it is difficult to absorb impact forces caused in the dropping direction at a spot away of the bottom plane. Also, vibrations and impact forces caused during transportation can be absorbed only by a single path of suspending. Accordingly, when transportation continues for a long period of time, the shock absorbing ability of the article mounting plane unit decreases.

Also, the above packaging box including a prepackaged-item box to store accessories as shock-absorbing material under the article mounting plane unit on which an article is mounted always receives stresses to the shock-absorbing material and the article mounting plane unit from below. This means that the shock absorbing ability of the article mounting plane unit decreases, and this type of box always needs shock-absorbing material.

Hereinafter, a packaging box according to embodiments will be explained by referring to drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a packaging box 1 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a development view illustrating a packaging component 10 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a plan perspective view illustrating the packaging box 1 (with a top plane unit 25 of exterior unit 20 in an open state) according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4B is an A-direction arrow view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a plan perspective view illustrating the packaging box 1 (with the packaging component 10 having been removed and the top plane unit 25 of the exterior unit 20 being in an open state) according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan perspective view illustrating the packaging box 1 (including a small storage box 200, and having the top plane unit 25 of the exterior unit 20 in an open state).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging box 1 includes the packaging component 10, the exterior unit 20, and a supporting unit 30.

The packaging component 10 includes an article mounting plane unit 11, a pair of suspending units 12 and 13, a pair of side plane units 14 and 15, and a pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17, and is set in the exterior unit 20. The packaging component 10 is made of a single base board such as, for example, corrugated cardboard.

The exterior unit 20 includes a left plane unit 21, a back plane unit 22, a right plane unit 23, and a front plane unit 24, a top plane unit 25, and a bottom plane unit 26, and the top plane unit 25 functions as, for example, an openable and closable lid.

The article mounting plane unit 11 is a rectangular shape that is, for example, longer in the lateral direction than in the front-back direction, and is kept horizontal. On the top plane of the article mounting plane unit 11, which serves as the article mounting plane, an article 100 such as an electronic device is mounted (held).

The article 100 is held on the article mounting plane unit 11 by being covered by, for example, elastic film F represented by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 3. Film F has both its ends adhered to adherence areas 16 f and 17 f of the downward-bent units 16 and 17, which will be described later.

In FIG. 3, dashed lines with a symbol “M” represent convex folds, dashed lines with a symbol “V” represent concave folds, and solid lines with a symbol “C” represent lines along which cuts will be made.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, there are interspaces S1 and S2 between the top plane unit 25 and the article 100, and between the bottom plane unit 26 and the article 100 (article mounting plane unit 11), respectively, so that the article 100 does not touch the exterior unit 20 even when a high impact is applied from above or below (by dropping, for example).

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, there are interspaces S3 and S4 between the exterior unit 20 and the front and back sides of the article mounting plane unit 11, respectively. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the front-side interspace S3 or the back-side interspace S4 (in FIG. 6, only in the back-side interspace S4), the small storage box 200 that is, for example, a cuboid, is set. In this exterior unit 200, another article associated with the article 100 or the like is stored.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 are made by bending the article mounting plane unit 11 at the right and left ends upward (concave folds V), and suspending the article mounting plane unit 11. The angles θ between the pair of suspending units 12/13 and the article mounting plane unit 11 are, for example, a right angle or obtuse angles.

Through holes 12 a and 13 a are formed on the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 so that fingers can be inserted into them when the packaging component 10 is to be removed. These through holes 12 a and 13 a are in communication with through holes 14 a and 15 a on the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 that will be described later.

The pair of suspending units 12 and 13 include small width units 12 b and 13 b that are continuous to the article mounting plane unit 11, and include large width units 12 c and 13 c that are continuous to the pair of side plane units 14 and 15.

The width of the small width units 12 b and 13 b (the front-back dimension) is equal, at their lower ends, to the dimension of the article mounting plane unit 11 in the front-back direction, and becomes smaller as the distances on the units to the large width units 12 c and 13 c (see FIG. 3) decreases. The dimension of the large width units 12 c and 13 c in the front-back direction is almost fixed, and is greater than the dimension of the article mounting plane unit 11 in the front-back direction, and is equal to the dimension of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 in the front-back direction.

The pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are made by bending, downward and outward (convex folds M) (i.e., to the sides opposite from the article mounting plane unit 11), the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 at their top ends. Also, the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are kept in surface contact with the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23 of the exterior unit 20 (examples of two opposing walls).

Width W, depth L, and height H of the packaging component 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 are identical or almost identical (a few millimeters smaller for example) to those of the inner dimensions of the exterior unit 20, and the packaging component 10 does not shake easily.

The pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are positioned by the above dimensional relationships (especially by width W of the packaging component 10), and are kept in surface contact with the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23.

Additionally, the depth and the height of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are identical to depth L and height H of the packaging component 10; in other words, they are identical or almost identical to the depth and the height of the inner dimensions of the exterior unit 20. Accordingly, the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are in contact with the bottom plane unit 26, the front plane unit 24, and the back plane unit 22 of the exterior unit 20 so that shaking is suppressed.

Additionally, it is also possible to tightly connect the upper ends of the side plane units 14 and 15 to the exterior unit 20 by employing height H of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15, which is greater than the inner dimension of the exterior unit 20, so that the top plane unit 25 and the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20 crush the side plane units 14 and 15. This also increases the compression strength of the packaging box 1.

The depth and the height of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are desirably identical or almost identical to the inner dimensions of the exterior unit 20. However, they may be smaller than the inner dimensions of the exterior unit 20 so as to allow for slight movement in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, it is also possible to freely adjust the propagation order (transmission speed) of impacts applied to the article 100 by adjusting the dimensions of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15, the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17, and the exterior unit 20.

The left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23 of the exterior unit 20 are parallel to each other, and the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are made by bending, vertically and downward, the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 at their upper ends.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 are angled obliquely downward (convex folds M) at the front and back ends of the article mounting plane unit 11 in such a manner that they get closer to each other as the distance on the downward bent units 16 and 17 from the front and back ends increases.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 include main body units 16 a and 17 a, left-hand side triangle units 16 b and 17 b, right-hand side triangle units 16 c and 17 c, left end units 16 d and 17 d, and right end units 16 e and 17 e.

The lateral dimensions of the main body units 16 a and 17 a are identical to those of the article mounting plane unit 11 at their upper ends, and become smaller as the distance on the main body units 16 a and 17 a to the bottom decreases.

The left-hand side triangle units 16 b and 17 b, and the right-hand side triangle units 16 c and 17 c are triangular, and are angled obliquely upward (convex folds M) in such a manner that they get further from each other as the distance on them from the left and right ends of the main body units 16 a and 17 a increases.

The left end units 16 d and 17 d, and the right end units 16 e and 17 e are angled upward from the left-hand side triangle units 16 b and 17 b or the right-hand side triangle units 16 c and 17 c (convex folds M), and are inserted between the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 and the pair of side plane units 14 and 15. Additionally, the left end units 16 d and 17 d and the right end units 16 e and 17 e are made by bending the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 in a manner of convex fold M.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the supporting unit 30 is set on the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20. Also, the supporting unit 30 includes a pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33, and a pair of outer-side oblique plane units 31 and 34. These pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 and the pair of outer-side oblique plane units 31 and 34 are continuous in the order of the outer-side oblique plane unit 31, the center-side oblique plane unit 32, the center-side oblique plane unit 33, and the outer-side oblique plane unit 34, and are made of a single baseboard such as, for example, a piece of corrugated cardboard forming the shape “M”

The pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 are angled so as to form the shape “V”, and are in surface contact with the outer surfaces of the main body units 16 a and 17 a of the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17.

The pair of outer-side oblique plane units 31 and 34 are angled obliquely downward in such a manner that they get further from each other as the distance on them from the upper ends of the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 increases. The lower ends of the pair of outer-side oblique plane units 31 and 34 are at the corners between the left plane unit 21 and the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20 or between the right plane unit 23 and the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20.

The supporting unit 30 supports the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 by the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 being in surface contact with the outer surfaces of the main body units 16 a and 17 a of the downward-bent units 16 and 17. In addition, the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 may be set with spaces with respect to the outer surfaces of the main body units 16 a and 17 a of the downward-bent units 16 and 17 without being in surface contact as long as they get in surface contact when, for example, the packaging box 1 drops.

The lower ends of the main body units 16 a and 17 a of the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 do not abut the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 of the supporting unit 30. However, it is possible for them to abut when vertical impact forces are applied upwardly from the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20.

It is also possible for the lower ends of the main body units 16 a and 17 a to always be in contact with the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33. Also, the supporting unit 30 is set over the entire bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20 in the present embodiment. However, a plurality of supporting units 30 may be arranged in the height direction with partition plates between them so as to enhance their shock absorbing ability.

The pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 are angled obliquely downward in such a manner that they get closer to each other as the distance on them from the front and back ends of the article mounting plane unit 11 increases. Accordingly, even when the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 abut the corner between the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 of the supporting unit 30, an impact force (F1) applied vertically upward from the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20 is dispersed in a direction along which the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 are slanted (forces F3), as illustrated in FIG. 2. Then, the force applied vertically upward from the bottom plane unit 26 is converted into forces tensioning the article mounting plane unit 11 in the front and back directions (F4). In other words, the article mounting plane unit 11 is prevented from being deflected downward such as to deflected plane S by the weight of the article 100.

Further, as has been described above, the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 are in surface contact with the outer surfaces of the main body units 16 a and 17 a of the downward-bent units 16 and 17, and accordingly impact force (F1) applied vertically upward from the bottom plane unit 26 is dispersed also on the supporting unit 30 by the surface contact (forces 2). Then, they are converted into forces tensioning the article mounting plane unit 11 in the front and back directions (F4).

Also, when the article is, for example, 10 Kg or lighter, it is recommended that a free-fall test (for example, JIS 20200) in which the packaging box 1 is subject to free fall from a height of 80 cm with respect to one corner, three edges, and six planes be performed.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the exterior unit 20 in a simplified manner, the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23 (examples of two opposing walls) and the front plane unit 24 employ a double structure.

Specifically, the left plane unit 21, the right plane unit 23, and the front plane unit 24 include outer surface units 21 a, 23 a, and 24 a, and also include inner surface units 21 b, 23 b, and 24 b, which are made by bending downward the outer surface units 21 a and 23 a at their upper ends.

Between the left plane unit 21/right plane unit 23 and the front plane unit 24, interspaces serving as guides G into which the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are inserted are formed. The pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are positioned not only by the dimensional relationships with the above packaging component 10 (particularly width W) but also by guides G, and are kept in surface contact with the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, an insertion base end unit 24 c in a trapezoidal shape with the right and left sides having been cut is formed at the center of the outer surface unit 24 a of the front plane unit 24. This insertion base end unit 24 c has its base bent outward (to the front side) (concave fold V).

An insertion tip unit 24 d that is bent inward (to the back side) in a manner of a convex fold M is formed at the tip of the insertion base end unit 24 c. This insertion tip unit 24 d is inserted into an insertion port 25 b of the top plane unit 25 that will be explained later in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

At the center of the upper end of the insertion base end unit 24 c, a semicircular knob unit 24 e is formed. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in this knob unit 24 e, the top end as the bending part between the insertion base end unit 24 c and the insertion tip unit 24 d is linear, and cuts are made along the arc (cut line C), and the circular portion projects outward (to the front side).

An insertion unit 25 a of the top plane unit 25 illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B includes the center of the front end that projects to the front side. The insertion unit 25 a is inserted into an insertion port 24 f formed at the bending portion between the outer surface unit 24 a and the inner surface unit 24 b of the front plane unit 24.

The insertion tip unit 24 d of the front plane unit 24 is inserted into the insertion port 25 b of the top plane unit 25 while being in an inserted state into the insertion port 24 f.

Hereinafter, explanations will be given for how to take out the article 100 from the packaging box 1.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the knob unit 24 e of the front plane unit 24 is pulled by a human hand so that the insertion tip unit 24 d of the front plane unit 24 is drawn out of the insertion port 25 b of the top plane unit 25. Then, by lifting, for example, the insertion unit 25 a of the top plane unit 25, the insertion unit 25 a is drawn out of the insertion port 24 f of the front plane unit 24.

Next, when there is a prepackaged item such as printed materials or the like above the article 100, the prepackaged item is taken out first. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the packaging component 10 is taken out from the exterior unit 20 when fingers are inserted into the through holes 14 a and 15 a of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 and into the through holes 12 a and 13 a of the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 so as to lift the packaging component 10.

When the lower ends of the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are opened in such a manner that they get further from each other as illustrated in FIG. 7C and also the lower ends of the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 are opened in such a manner that they get further from each other as illustrated in FIG. 7D, the packaging component 10 extends to a flat shape as illustrated in FIG. 7E. Thereby, the tension of film F is released so that the article 100 can be taken out from the right or left side.

In the first embodiment, which has been described before, the packaging component 10 of the packaging box 1 includes the pair of suspending units 12 and 13 that are made by bending the article mounting plane unit 11 at the left and right ends upward so as to suspend the article mounting plane unit 11, and the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 made by bending the suspending units 12 and 13 at their upper ends downward. Also, the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 are kept in surface contact with the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23 (two opposing walls) of the exterior unit 20.

Accordingly, even when complicated structures or shock absorbing materials are omitted, the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 in surface contact with the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23 of the exterior unit 20 are able to support the suspending units 12 and 13 securely. Thus, the present embodiment makes it possible to enhance the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 1 with a simple configuration. Thereby, it is also possible to use thinner materials for the packaging box 1, and to make the exterior unit (packaging box 1) more compact.

Also, in the present embodiment, the packaging component 10 includes the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 made by bending the article mounting plane unit 11 obliquely downward at the front and back ends in such a manner that they get closer to each other as the distance on them from the front and back ends increases. This pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 disperse an impact force (F1) applied upward from the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20 vertically, in the direction along which the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 are angled (forces F3), and convert them into forces that tension the article mounting plane unit 11 in the front and back directions (F4). In other words, the article mounting plane unit 11 is prevented from being deflected by the weight of the article 100. Thus, the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 1 can be enhanced.

Also, in the present embodiment, the supporting unit 30 is set on the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20, and is in surface contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 (the main body units 16 a and 17 a) in order to support the downward-bent units 16 and 17. Accordingly, the above surface contact converts impact force (F1) applied from the bottom plane unit 26 vertically and upwardly into forces tensioning the article mounting plane unit 11 in the front and back directions (F4). This can enhance the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 1.

Also, in the present embodiment, the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 are angled so as to form a “V” shape, and are in surface contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of downward-bent units 16 and 17 (the main body units 16 a and 17 a). Also, the pair of outer-side oblique plane units 31 and 34 are made by bending, obliquely downward, the pair of center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 at their upper ends in such a manner that the outer side oblique plane units 31 and 34 get further from each other as the distance on the units 31 and 34 from the upper ends of the center-side oblique plane units 32 and 33 increases. Accordingly, the truss structure composed of the supporting unit 30 and the downward-bent units 16 and 17 leads to further enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 1.

Also, in the present embodiment, there are interspaces S3 and S4 between the exterior unit 20 and the front/back ends of the article mounting plane unit 11. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent impact forces applied to the front plane unit 24 or the back plane unit 22 from being transmitted to the article mounting plane unit 11, or the article 100.

Also, the small storage box 200 is set in the interspaces S3 or S4 between the exterior unit 20 and the front/back ends of the article mounting plane unit 11 in order to store items other than the article 100. Thereby, it is possible to employ a simpler configuration for the packaging box 1 by utilizing the interspaces S3 and S4. This can reduce the number of packaging boxes by, for example, omitting packaging boxes that have been used independently.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a packaging box 1-1 according to a variation example of the first embodiment.

The packaging box 1-1 illustrated in FIG. 8 is different from the packaging box 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 in that the packaging box 1-1 does not include the downward-bent units 16 and 17 or the supporting unit 30 of the packaging component 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 8, even when a packaging component 10-1 does not include the downward-bent units 16 and 17, the suspending units 12 and 13 can be surely supported by the pair of side plane units 14 and 15 that are in surface contact with the left plane unit 21 and the right plane unit 23 of the exterior unit 20. Thus, according to this variation embodiment too, the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 1-1 can be enhanced with a simple configuration.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a packaging box 2 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating a pair of side plane units 44 and 45 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a development view illustrating a packaging component 40 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a development view illustrating a configuration of the portion denoted by “B” in FIG. 11A in a variation example according to the second embodiment.

The packaging box 2 according to the present embodiment is different from the above first embodiment in that the supporting unit 30 is omitted and reinforcement ribs (an example of reinforcement units) 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c, notches 46 g, 46 h, 47 g, and 47 h, and falling off prevention convex portions 41 a and 41 b are employed. The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the other aspects, and thus explanations thereof will be omitted.

The packaging box 2 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes the packaging component 40 and the exterior unit 20, which is similar to the one in the first embodiment.

The packaging component 40 includes an article mounting plane unit 41, a pair of suspending units 42 and 43, a pair of side plane units 44 and 45, and a pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47.

The falling off prevention convex portions 41 a and 41 b are formed on the article mounting plane unit 41 in order to prevent the article 100 from falling out. These falling off prevention convex portions 41 a and 41 b are formed by, for example, making rectangular cuts on the article mounting plane unit 41.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the left falling off prevention convex portion 41 a is formed by bending the left side upward (convex fold M) and making cuts along the remaining three sides (cut lines C). Similarly, the right falling off prevention convex portion 41 b is formed by bending the right side upward (convex fold M) and making cuts along the remaining three sides (cut lines C).

Films F are inserted between the article mounting plane unit 41 and the falling off prevention convex portions 41 a/41 b so that the article 100 is prevented from falling off the article mounting plane unit 41 (films F).

The pair of side plane units 44 and 45 include the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c that support the downward-bent units 46 and 47. These reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c are formed by bending the pair of side plane units 44 and 45 at lower portions of their front and back ends in a manner of convex fold M.

Each of the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c is a triangle composed of a side formed by the lower portion of the front or back end of the pair of side plane units 44 and 45, a side formed of the line bordering on the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20, and a side formed by the line bordering on the pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47.

The pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47 include the notches 46 g, 46 h, 47 g, and 47 h that are engaged with the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c.

As illustrated in the portion denoted by “B-1” (variation example) in FIG. 11B that corresponds to the portion denoted by “B” in FIG. 11A, the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c may be rectangles including a side made by bending the side plane units 44 and 45 in a manner of convex fold M. Also, the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c may include the notch 45 d that is engaged with the pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47, an example of which is illustrated as a reinforcement rib 45 b-1 in FIG. 11B.

The pair of suspending units 42 and 43 according to the present embodiment also include through holes 42 a and 43 a, small width units 42 b and 43 b, and large width units 42 c and 43 c similar to those in the first embodiment.

The pair of side plane units 44 and 45 according to the present embodiment also include through holes 44 a and 45 a similar to those in the first embodiment.

The pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47 according to the present embodiment also include main body units 46 a and 47 a, left-hand side triangle units 46 b and 47 b, right-hand side triangle units 46 c and 47 c, left end units 46 d and 47 d, right end units 46 e and 47 e, and adherence areas 46 f and 47 f similar to those in the first embodiment.

Also in the above second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved, i.e., the enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 2 with a simple configuration and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pair of side plane units 44 and 45 include the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c to support the pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47. Accordingly, the entire downward-bent units 46 and 47 support the article mounting plane unit 41 to absorb forces, and thereby the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 2 can be enhanced further.

Also, in the present embodiment, the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c are formed by bending the pair of side plane units 44 and 45 at the lower portions of their front and back ends. Accordingly, the pair of side plane units 44 and 45 and the downward-bent units 46 and 47 function as a single unit so as to support the article mounting plane unit 41, leading to further enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 2.

Also, in the present embodiment, each of the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c is a triangle composed of a side formed by the lower portion of the front or back end of the pair of side plane units 44 and 45, a side formed by the portion bordering on the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20, and a side formed by the portion bordering on the pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47. This leads to further enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 2.

Also, in the present embodiment, the pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47 include the notches 46 g, 46 h, 47 g, and 47 h that are engaged with the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c, leading to further enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 2.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 11B (variation example), the reinforcement ribs 44 b, 44 c, 45 b, and 45 c include the notch 45 b-1 that is engaged with the pair of downward-bent units 46 and 47, and thereby the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 2 can be enhanced.

Also, in the present embodiment, the article mounting plane unit 41 includes the falling off prevention convex portions 41 a and 41 b to prevent the article 100 from falling off, and these falling off prevention convex portions 41 a and 41 b are formed by making cuts on the article mounting plane unit 41. This makes it possible to prevent the article 100 from falling off with a simple configuration.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a plan perspective view illustrating a packaging component 50 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a development view illustrating the packaging component 50 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan perspective view illustrating a packaging box 3 (with the top plane unit 25 of the exterior unit 20 in an open state) according to the third embodiment.

The packaging box 3 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the packaging box 3 includes convex units 52 d, 53 e, 53 d, and 53 e of a pair of suspending units 52 and 53, and convex units (an example of engagement units) 54 b, 54 c, 55 b, and 55 c of a pair of side plane units 54 and 55, belt units 58, and a partition unit 59. The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the other aspects, and thus explanations thereof will be omitted.

The packaging component 50 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 includes an article mounting plane unit 51, the pair of suspending units 52 and 53, the pair of side plane units 54 and 55, a pair of downward-bent units 56 and 57, the belt units 58, and the partition unit 59 illustrated in FIG. 14.

The convex units 52 d, 53 e, 53 d, 53 e, 54 b, 54 c, 55 b, and 55 c are formed on the pair of suspending units 52 and 53 and the pair of side plane units 54 and 55 by making cuts on them. These convex units are formed in such a manner that they face each other, and form a trapezoid whose width becomes smaller as the distance on the trapezoid to the bottom decreases.

In each of these convex units, the bottom side is folded to the side of the article 100 (concave folds V for the convex units of the pair of suspending units 52 and 53, and convex folds M for the convex units of the pair of side plane units 54 and 55), and along the remaining two lines, cuts are made (cut lines C). Thereby, the convex units 54 b, 54 c, 55 b, and 55 c of the pair of side plane units 54 and 55 are engaged with the suspending units 52 and 53. Additionally, it is also possible to form through holes instead of forming the convex units 52 d, 52 e, 53 d, and 53 e on the side of the pair of suspending units 52 and 53 in order to achieve the above engagement.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the partition unit 59 made of, for example, a corrugated board, is set on the convex units 52 d, 52 e, 53 d, 53 e, 54 b, 54 c, 55 b, and 55 c. This partition unit 59 partitions the space above the article mounting plane unit 51 into upper and lower spaces. A printed material 300 (an example of prepackaged items) is mounted on the partition unit 59. At the center of the partition unit 59, a through hole 59 a is formed so that a human finger can be inserted into it so as to lift the partition unit 59.

The article 100 is held on the article mounting plane unit 51 by, for example, two belt units 58 illustrated in FIG. 12. Each of these belt units 58 includes a belt 58 a and a stopper 58 b. As illustrated in FIG. 13, these belts 58 b are inserted into belt insertion slots 56 f, 56 g, 57 f, and 57 g formed on main body units 56 a and 57 a of the pair of downward-bent units 56 and 57.

The suspending units 52 and 53 according to the present embodiment also include through holes 52 a and 53 a, small width units 52 b and 53 b, and large width units 52 c and 53 c similar to those in the first embodiment.

The pair of side plane units 54 and 55 according to the present embodiment also include through holes 54 a and 55 a similar to those in the first embodiment.

The pair of downward-bent units 56 and 57 according to the present embodiment also include main body units 56 a and 57 a, left-hand side triangle units 56 b and 57 b, right-hand side triangle units 56 c and 57 c, left end units 56 d and 57 d, and right end units 56 e and 57 e similar to those in the first embodiment.

Also in the above third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved, i.e., the enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 3 with a simple configuration and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, convex units (examples of engagement units) 54 b, 54 c, 55 b, and 55 c that are engaged with the pair of suspending units 52 and 53 are formed on the pair of side plane units 54 and 55. These convex units are formed by making cuts on the pair of side plane units 54 and 55 (cut lines C). Accordingly, the pair of suspending units 52 and 53 and the pair of side plane units 54 and 55 can be positioned with a simple configuration.

Also, in the present embodiment, the partition unit 59 that partitions the space above the article mounting plane unit 51 into the upper space and the lower space is set on the convex units 54 b, 54 c, 55 b, and 55 c of the pair of side plane units 54 and 55. This makes it possible to utilize space efficiently.

Also, in the present embodiment, the belt insertion slots 56 f, 56 g, 57 f, and 57 g are formed on the pair of downward-bent units 56 and 57. The belts 58 a of the belt units 58 to hold the article 100 on the article mounting plane unit 51 are inserted into these belt insertion slots 56 f, 56 g, 57 f, and 57 g. This makes it possible to hold the article 100 securely.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a packaging box 4 according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of part D of FIG. 15 seen from above.

The packaging box 4 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it omits the supporting unit 30, and includes a pair of suspending units 62 and 63, a pair of side plane units 64 and 65, and insertion slots 21 c and 23 c on an exterior unit 20-1. The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the other aspects, and thus explanations thereof will be omitted.

A packaging component 60 of the packaging box 4 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes an article mounting plane unit 61, a pair of suspending units 62 and 63, and a pair of side plane units 64 and 65.

The exterior unit 20-1 according to the present embodiment is different from the exterior unit 20 of the first embodiment in that the exterior unit 20-1 includes the insertion slots 21 c and 23 c on a left plane unit 21-1 and a right plane unit 23-1 (examples of two opposing walls). The insertion slots 21 c and 23 c will be explained later.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the right plane unit 23-1 includes an outer surface unit 23 a-1 of the right plane unit 23-1, and an inner surface unit 23 b-1 made by bending the right plane unit 23-1 at the upper end. The insertion slot 23 c is formed along the bending line between the outer surface unit 23 a-1 and the inner surface unit 23 b-1.

The side plane unit 65 on the right side is inserted from above into the insertion slot 23 c. This side plane unit 65 is inserted into the insertion slot 23 c so as to be in surface contact with the outer surface unit 23 a-1 (and the inner surface unit 23 b-1) of the right plane unit 23-1.

The insertion slot 21 c of the left plane unit 21-1 is formed in such a manner that the side plane unit 64 on the left side is inserted from above into the insertion slot 21 c similarly to the insertion slot 23 c of the right plane unit 23-1.

The pair of suspending units 62 and 63 includes oblique plane units 62 f and 63 f that are continuous to the article mounting plane unit 61, and horizontal plane units 62 g and 63 g that are continuous to the pair of side plane units 64 and 65. Also, the horizontal plane units 62 g and 63 g of the suspending units 62 and 63 are set on inner surface units 21 b-1 and 23 b-1 of the left plane unit 21-1 or the right plane unit 23-1.

The width of the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 is identical or almost identical (a few millimeters smaller for example) to that of the insertion slots 21 c and 23 c of the exterior unit 20-1. The height of the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 is smaller than the inner dimension of the exterior unit 20-1, and does not abut the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20-1. It is also possible for the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 to abut the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20-1 similarly to the first embodiment.

The horizontal plane units 62 g and 63 g of the pair of suspending units 62 and 63 are held between the top plane unit 25 and the inner surface units 21 b-1 and 23 b-1 of the exterior unit 20-1. Accordingly, when the area over which the horizontal plane units 62 g and 63 g of the suspending units 62 and 63 are pressed by the top plane unit 25 is increased, the anchorage strength of the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 also increases.

Also in the above fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved, i.e., the enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 4 with a simple configuration and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the insertion slots 21 c and 23 c into which the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 are inserted from above are formed on the left plane unit 21-1 and the right plane unit 23-1 (two opposing walls) of the exterior unit 20-1. Also, the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 are inserted into the insertion slots 21 c and 23 c so as to be in surface contact with the left plane unit 21-1 or the right plane unit 23-1. Accordingly, it is possible to assure that the pair of side plane units 64 and 65 in surface are kept in contact with the left plane unit 21-1 or the right plane unit 23-1 of the exterior unit 20-1.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 17A is a schematic side view illustrating the right side of an internal configuration of a packaging box 5 according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a development view illustrating a packaging component 70 according to the fifth embodiment.

The packaging box 5 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the packaging box 5 contains a point at which a pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 cross each other at their end points, and also in that the packaging box 5 omits the supporting unit 30. The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the other aspects, and thus explanations thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 18, the packaging component 70 of the packaging box 5 includes an article mounting plane unit 71, a pair of suspending units 72 and 73, a pair of side plane units 74 and 75, and a pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, concavo-convex units 76 g and 77 g on which concave units 76 g-1 and 77 g-1 and convex units 77 g-1 and 77 g-2 are provided continuously are formed on the lower ends of the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77.

The pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 cross each other at the concavo-convex units 76 g and 77 g, and are in contact with the bottom plane unit 26 of the exterior unit 20. Similarly to the above first embodiment, it is also possible to provide interspaces between the bottom plane unit 26 and the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 (concavo-convex units 76 g and 77 g) so that they do not touch each other. FIG. 17B illustrates (for comparison) a packaging box 1-2 (the second variation example of the first embodiment) in which downward-bent units 16-2 and 17-2 do not cross each other and are in contact with the bottom plane unit 26.

The suspending units 72 and 73 according to the present embodiment also include through holes 72 a and 73 a, small width units 72 b and 73 b, and large width units 72 c and 73 c similar to those in the first embodiment.

The pair of side plane units 74 and 75 according to the present embodiment also include through holes 74 a and 75 a similar to those in the first embodiment.

The pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 according to the present embodiment also include main body units 76 a and 77 a, left-hand side triangle units 76 b and 77 b, right-hand side triangle units 76 c and 77 c, left end units 76 d and 77 d, and right end units 76 e and 77 e similar to those in the first embodiment.

Also in the above fifth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved, i.e. the enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box with a simple configuration and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 cross each other at the lower end side. Accordingly, the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 form a truss structure together with the triangular portions above and below the crossing point so as to enhance the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 5.

Also, the concavo-convex units 76 g and 77 g are formed on the lower ends of the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77, and the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 cross each other at the concavo-convex units 76 g and 77 g. This leads to further enhancement of the shock absorbing ability of the packaging box 5 with a simple configuration.

Additionally, even when the concavo-convex units 76 g and 77 g at the lower ends of the downward-bent units 76 and 77 are omitted, it is possible for the pair of downward-bent units 76 and 77 to cross each other by, for example, inserting one of the downward-bent units 76 and 77 into a slot provided on the other of the downward-bent units 76 and 77.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contribute by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A packaging box comprising: an exterior unit; and a packaging component set in the exterior unit, wherein: the packaging component includes an article mounting plane unit on which to mount an article, a pair of suspending units that are made by bending upward the article mounting plane unit at right and left ends of the article mounting plane unit so as to suspend the article mounting plane unit, and a pair of side plane units that are made by bending downward the pair of suspending units at upper ends of the pair of suspending units; and the pair of side plane units are kept in surface contact with two opposing walls of the exterior unit.
 2. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein: the packaging component includes a pair of downward-bent units that are made by bending, obliquely downward, the article mounting plane unit at front and back ends of the article mounting plane unit in such a manner that the downward-bent units get closer to each other as a distance on the downward-bent units from the front and back ends of the article mounting plane unit increases.
 3. The packaging box according to claim 2, further comprising: a supporting unit that is set on a bottom plane unit of the exterior unit and that is in surface contact with outer surfaces of the pair of downward-bent units so as to support the pair of downward-bent units.
 4. The packaging box according to claim 3, wherein: the supporting unit includes a pair of center-side oblique plane units, and a pair of outer side oblique plane units: the pair of center-side oblique plane units are angled so as to form a “V” shape, and are in surface contact with outer surfaces of the pair of downward-bent units; and the pair of outer side oblique plane units are made by bending, obliquely downward, the pair of center-side oblique plane units at upper ends of the pair of center-side oblique plane units in such a manner that the pair of outer side oblique plane units get further from each other as a distance on the outer side oblique plane units from the upper ends increases.
 5. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein: the article mounting plane unit is positioned with interspaces between the exterior unit and front and back sides of the article mounting plane unit.
 6. The packaging box according to claim 5, further comprising: a small storage box that is set in an interspace between the exterior unit and a front or back side of the article mounting plane unit in order to store an item other than the article.
 7. The packaging box according to claim 2, wherein: the pair of side plane units include reinforcement units to support the pair of downward-bent units.
 8. The packaging box according to claim 7, wherein: the reinforcement units are formed by bending the pair of side plane units at lower portions of front and back ends of the pair of side plane units.
 9. The packaging box according to claim 8, wherein: the reinforcement unit is a triangle composed of a side formed by a lower portion of the front or back end of the pair of side plane units, a side formed of a portion bordering on a bottom plane unit of the exterior unit, and a side formed by a portion bordering on the pair of downward-bent units.
 10. The packaging box according to claim 7, wherein: the pair of downward-bent units include notches that are engaged with the reinforcement units.
 11. The packaging box according to claim 7, wherein: the reinforcement units include notches that are engaged with the pair of downward-bent units.
 12. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein: the article mounting plane unit includes falling off prevention convex portions to prevent an article from falling off; and the falling off prevention convex portions are formed by making a cut on the article mounting plane unit.
 13. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein: the pair of side plane units include engagement units that are engaged with the pair of suspending units; and the engagement units are formed by making a cut on the pair of side plane units.
 14. The packaging box according to claim 13, wherein: a partition unit to partition a space above the article mounting plane unit into upper and lower spaces is set on the engagement units.
 15. The packaging box according to claim 2, wherein: the pair of downward-bent units include belt insertion slots into which belt units are inserted to hold the article on the article mounting plane unit.
 16. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein: the two opposing walls of the exterior unit include insertion slots into which the pair of side plane units are inserted from above; and the pair of side plane units are inserted into the insertion slots so as to be in surface contact with the walls.
 17. The packaging box according to claim 2, wherein: the pair of downward-bent units cross each other on lower end sides.
 18. The packaging box according to claim 17, wherein: lower ends of the pair of downward-bent units include concavo-convex units; and the pair of downward-bent units cross each other at the concavo-convex units. 